Obituary: Ralph A. Paulson Sr.
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Ralph Allen Paulson Sr. passed away on June 16, 2023, at Viewcrest Health Center in Duluth at the age of 88.
He was born on Jan. 6, 1935, to Kelly and Ruth (Olson) Paulson on a dairy farm in Mahtowa. Ralph grew up on the farm and graduated from Carlton High School in 1952. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on June 24, 1952, and served in the Korean War as an F-86 crew chief. During his service Ralph was married to Dolly Johnson on June 19, 1954, in Cloquet. He was honorably discharged on June 23, 1956.
Ralph and Dolly made their home in Esko. They were blessed with three children, Ralph, Scott, and Jason. Ralph was an engineer for AT&T/Northwestern Bell until retiring in 1985. He went back to work as a mortgage surveyor until 2010.
Ralph was a member of the Thomson Township planning commission and Carlton VFW Post 2962, and was treasurer of the Esko school board during its largest school construction project. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Hermantown and was devoted to his Baptist faith.
Ralph also founded Northridge Park with the town board in Esko.
He enjoyed fishing, home remodeling, and woodworking. He was a master card player and loved spending time with his grandchildren. Ralph will be remembered by his community, civic organizations, family, and friends. The walleyes in Lake Winnibigoshish and Voyageurs National Park are breathing a sigh of relief.
Ralph is survived by his sons, Ralph Jr. (Annie) Paulson of Cloquet, Scott (Margret) Paulson
of Duluth, and Jason (Julianne) Paulson of Esko; grandchildren, Laura (Eric), Susan (Lucas),
Nick and Thaddeus; great-grandchildren, Rowan, Sylvia, Theo and Francine; siblings, Gene,
Shirley and Dan; his Faith Baptist Church family; and many other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolly Paulson; his parents; and infant sister.
A memorial visitation for Ralph was planned for 2-4 p.m. Thursday, June 22 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Visitation will continue at 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial service Friday, June 23 at Faith Baptist Church in Hermantown. A lunch reception will follow in the church social hall. Inurnment will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 15 at Sandy Lake Cemetery in Blackhoof Township with military honors presented by Nicholson-Sellgren VFW Post 2962 of Carlton.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet.
